Pipe Thread Sealant / Which Pipe Sealant & Why!

A KZbin viewer asked me to shoot a video on "Pipe Thread Sealant". At first, I thought it wouldn't be such a popular topic but after checking out some other You-Tube Videos I digress!
So in this video, I give you my thoughts and methods on the subject and in addition, feature some of the products I use in my everyday plumbing practice.
I'll leave links for the featured products below and as always you can reach me at [e-mail]. if you have any questions. Best Regards, Bob.
My Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/bobsplumb...
MegaLoc
amzn.to/2dihLZB
Real-Tuff
amzn.to/2dFf5XU
Blue-Block
amzn.to/2dtUsgd
Pro-Dope
amzn.to/2dIog6g
Mega-Tape
amzn.to/2dzCxlb
Teflon-Tape
amzn.to/2dwsKLX
Happy Plumbing,
Bob

[@alir.9894]

Great job sir! You've revealed your personal knowledge and high standards with your excellent video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you kindly!

[@mrkrause3]

Just good ole common sense old school plumbing wisdom! Thank you!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad to help, thank for checking out the video!

[@MH-rj3jf]

Thanks so much for making this video! It was really helpful, clear, and detailed. Perfect for beginners like me.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank You for checking out the video! I appreciate it...Regards, Bob.

[@joeprete7424]

I took apart my 74 year old utility(stone) sink, and the rope held up very well!

[@KK-gi3wt]

I am a new home owner and female who was never thought much about products to use. THank you for this video now I can teach my adult son.

[@jamsocrane]

Thanks so much! You took my small little job too another level. Simply I have to put a 90 Into my gas cook top. I was just going to use the gas teflon tape. I have two elbows to Install, going out to buy pipe dope. You rock!

[@biskit9112]

I REALLY LOVE THE APPROACH AND DELIVERY IN PRESENTING YOUR CONTENT AND IS VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHILE REASON AND DONE WITH NO MUSS OR FUSS WITH HIGH TREASURABILITY TO THOSE WHO PUT INTO ACTION. MANY THANKS AND BLESS YOU FROM BAD HAND, WEAK KNEED, AND SOLE REMAINING TO OLD FIXER UPPER AND ONLY KNOW WHAT MY DAD TAUGHT ME AND WATCHING MY GUARDIAN FATHER WHO WATCHES OVER ME NOW FOR MY DAD AND IS THE ONLY PLUMBER MY DAD WOULD USE WHEN NEEDED DONE AND NOW IS UP IN AGE TOO!

[@Takilasunrise1]

Beginner here, though I have replaced kitchen sink faucets. I'm about to tackle replacing my bath/shower faucet and this helped a lot! I did see thread hanging off the older pipes and was wondering what it was. Now I know!

[@RafaelMartinez-mj7zd]

Great Video! I agree with you 100% use both Teflon and Dope! I’ve had multiple jobs with a small leak when my guys have just used one. Nothing more frustrating than to redo a job when it could have been solved with both

[@richmac918]

Excellent video, very informative. When I built my house about 30 years ago I hired a plumber friend to do the plumbing and I worked along with him. I had some experience sweating copper and working with PVC but by the time the house was finished I had experience with gas line installation, putting in a boiler, running a threading machine, codes, you name it. I think I could have become a plumbers apprentice. One thing he taught me that has stuck through the years is when allowed (not on gas pipe) to use Teflon tape and then pipe dope over it. He said doing this will just about guarantee you'll never have a leak and I never have so it was interesting to see that you do the same thing. The only time I ever had problems doing this was when I had to replace a leaking expansion tank on my boiler. The expansion tank is threaded into an air scoop which is made from thick cast iron. Teflon is a great lubricant and it allowed me to over tighten the expansion tank pretty easily and put a hair line crack in the scoop. I was told later by another plumber that he never uses Teflon tape on cast iron for just this reason, a lesson he learned the hard way himself.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you Rich, much appreciated. Bob.

[@1truthseeking8]

​@@BobsPlumbingVideos what do you suggest on stainless to stainless or stainless to brass?

[@beckysimpson1536]

Thanks for the video. I only have to put a fitting on the end of hose with brass fittings on the ends, but now I know what to use. Hopefully the teflon will keep it from getting corroded together too.

[@roberts.5790]

I have had nothing but failures with teflon tape and struggled with leaking pipe joints for years. I thank you for exposing how to successfully sealing pipe thread fittings.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Long before Teflon, spool lampwick and Hercules pipe joint compound (Pro Dope) were the go too products. They worked when I was coming up in the trade and they’re bullet proof today! Thanks for checking out the video, regards. Bob.

[@bigglilwayne7050]

Sounds like you were probably applying the teflon against the threads rather than with the threads(clockwise)

[@americusdeville865]

Definitely learned from you about the pipe thread sealants. I am replacing a PRV. I put Teflon tape on the threads. The PRV is a brass fitting. The locknuts are brass from existing hardware on collar/tailpiece assembly. The bottom locknut seals. The top locknut is not completely flush, so the locknut does not bottom out correctly. Never used to paste before, but I am going to try it. If it works per a man of your experience, this is going to be a fun installation. This problem had me stumped. I lacked insight on the solution. It's a residential pressure reducing valve so I will set the psi at 60--65, but first I got to make sure the connections are water tight seal. Looking forward to plumbing.

[@bobd.]

Disagree with covering the first thread with Teflon tape. Keep the first thread clean for an easy start. I agree with you and also do not run the tape all the way up the thread, it's just a waste of tape as those threads will never enter the joint. The other reason for not cover the first thread is any tape hanging over the first thread and end of the pipe WILL break loose and enter the piping system. In some cases this might not be a problem but in others you never know where it might travel to. Solenoid valves in dishwashers or ice makers are two examples where you don't want fragments of tape to be.

[@comradepickles7607]

Yep. Just dug up my gas line and every single joint had excess tape hanging inside the pipe.

[@anilkumarjangbahadu229]

It seems all sealants are good

[@NLPexperts]

You only tried 3, didn't actually pressure test any of them for a comparison test. You didn't try any UK available or oatey products. Please do a better video, also why didn't you bother putting the tape on properly.

[@local_rels1153]

I’m training currently for maintenance in an apartment complex this definitely gives me some knowledge thank you 👍

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

Use it on any threaded seal connection. Drain pvc, drain brass, drain copper, iron natrural gas, etc. If its threaded...use some pipe thread sealant. Its not for sealing, its for anti-galling of threaded connections. Remember that. But that means sometimes you need it to get something tight enough to not leak. And without it you may have threads galling and not allowing full seating of your connection.

[@patrickstaresina3902]

Excellent video. Thanks for the detailed explanations. I wrestled with leaks installing an outdoor water spigot. Teflon tape alone didn't cut it. I ended up using Teflon tape and Real-Tuff Thread Sealant. Totally did the trick. Thanks much!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank Goodness Yo-yo Patrick for checking out the video! Regards, Bob.

[@charnya5213]

Very informative video! Helped me a lot to understand how I'll be installing equipment into a new pilot unit for my research project. Thank you Bob!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're very welcome!

[@jwongboutique]

Best video I watched so far, answered all my questions

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Much appreciated! Bob.

[@lauriekoch8368]

Thank you for making this video, answered all my questions. Very un-boring and helpful :)

[@alterkadosandro]

I've been plumbing for 12 years, in Az, and you pretty much, covered it all. Great video 👍

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank You Sandro, much appreciated! Bob

[@paulcampbellsr.9818]

Are you anywhere near Kingman Arizona

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@paulcampbellsr.9818 he"s in NYC

[@paulcampbellsr.9818]

@@deadmanswife3625 Paul is not in NYC don't know where you got that info. But either way I got it fixed

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@paulcampbellsr.9818 you were asking where bobsplumbing is? Or where sandra is ? Sorry I thought you were asking about the guy who is doing the videos

[@johnkerrigan6748]

Thank you, Bob, Spot-on terrific info and also a nice walk down memory lane. I'm 63 and my father (420 Steamfitters) started me off with Pro Dope and lamp wick, which is still nice for some old hot-water radiator repairs! Also, great review of different type products and specific applications which is more of what is important instead of debating (as I often see) whether Hercules, Rectorseal, Blue Monster, etc. is the best?! All of the aforementioned companies make terrific products, but knowing how to use those products is the key! Passing this on to friends.... Cheers

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you John! Regards, Bob

[@emmanuellopez5037]

I'm a plumber for the port of Oakland and I also use the tape and pipe dope combo and it never fails!!! Love the videos keep'em coming.👍👍👍

[@RobertSessaPlumbing]

Emmanuel Lopez Thank you Emmanuel, much appreciated . Thanks for checking out the video. Regards, Bob.

[@grnmtnskier]

Thank you for this video. I will be installing a new boiler using black pipe for the supply and return headers. Your video was a great help in making sure I seal the joints correctly. Very well done.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I'm very happy to help, thank you for checking out the video, Bob.

[@tompurtell4073]

Thanks for the tips. I put in a new electric water heater and your videos were a great resource. I used Megaoc for the first time in combination with the teflon tape. Not a leak when I was finished.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad to help

[@TheRabidPosum]

I learned with lamp wick and pro dope in 1998. I had an old school plumbing instructor. Still my preferred method. I've used mega lock here and there. With the tape I learned to put the dope on first then the tape over it. Real Touff I mainly used for fire sprinkler systems. Blue block makes a mess, it's like paint and gets everywhere. I didn't do much gas piping, but I used it exclusively for oil, from the tank piping, oil filter, firomattic valves, up to the burner.

[@johnskvorak490]

Thanks for the video. Well done. As a rookie I really appreciate the explanations why and when rather than just do it my way.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I try my best John, trying to perfect this video stuff,LOL! Thanks for checking out the video,Bob.

[@fixitkev1966]

Great explanation on the different applications. You answered my specific question perfectly. Thank you.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad it was helpful! Bob

[@znighthawk8342]

Great video, my friend. Thank you for making it!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you, my friend! My pleasure, thanks for checking it out. Regards, Bob.

[@richblanton1922]

Excellent detailed educating video on sealing pipes. Thank you!!!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you, Sir! Regards, Bob.

[@oliveoilsjim]

When we get through this Virus situation, people are going to have a new appreciation for the Journeyman service men and women in this country! God bless all the guys who keep this country up and going , plumber, electrician, 𝐇𝐕𝐀𝐂, long haul trucker, under appreciated for decades! Need good healthcare that doesn’t cost a fortune or has such high deductible people live with their health problems for years, until they are dangerously sick!!!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you! Stay Safe! Bob.

[@KG-ou4nm]

Worked like a charm! Bought the better Teflon tape and used some Megalock from Home Depot...no more leaks! Thanks for a great video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Fantastic!

[@dauntiekay2768]

Excellent video, and one that even a woman can understand--now I know how to fix that leaky pipe in my well pit. Thank you!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you! For checking it out. Regards, Bob

[@Scott-eo7lj]

Did you fix it?

[@caltoutan6692]

Thank you very much for your great video, very informative, God bless you

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you for watching! Regards, Bob.

[@thisissyron9475]

Perfect explanation, so much to learn. Thanks!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blackhawk7r221]

I just had to pull (lean over) a newly installed fiberglass shower stall. Teflon only had slow drips. Teflon and thread sealer did the trick. Something so damn simple biting me on the butt, but your video effort was well worth it. Thanks.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Happy to help, thanks for checking out the video~

[@bradleysmith681]

Excellent. Cleared up some questions.. THanks!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're welcome!

[@jenniferbain2023]

super helpful, Bob! Thanks.

[@joesmith5302]

Good video. Thx. The devil is always in the details for us weekend warriors and you helped fill in a lot of them. I'm on the West Coast but if I were in NYC and got into trouble I would definitely call you to come out.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you Joe! Regards, Bob.

[@tb693ny6]

I've used the BlueMonster Gas Teflon Tape or the Gas Rated Yellow Teflon Tape for years with gas fittings, especially on 2" or ST90's

[@frankm2588]

Love the Megalock, discovered it by accident at Home Depot, just using it for water fittings around the house. Back in the late 60's/early 70's I worked for a gas utility, they exclusively used the old yellow Rectorseal. No teflon in it in those days. I always felt it just lubricated the joints, with high pressure mains and gas at 75 or so PSI, how could compound hold back the gas, it's really the compression of the pipe and fitting. We always called it pipe dope, never heard anyone call it compound.

[@Arthurian.]

This video is so info packed.

[@CHSSeniorproject]

Excellent video. I love that fact that you take an extra few seconds to wipe your joints and make them look neat. Also although you didn't touch on it in the video I see sprinkler fitters using the paste and then a few layers of Teflon tape over it.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Robert Meier Thank you for checking out the video! Always wipe my joints down, the difference between a professional and a novice. Some use the tape first followed by the paste and visa versa. I guess it’s personal preference. As long as it doesn’t leak! Regards, Bob.

[@vincentm1641]

It’s actually better at least in my understanding that Teflon tape then sealant after, if you use the sealant then the tape the tape makes a balloon of sorts and it just gets pushed out of the fitting.

[@longfade]

I learned a ton watching this and love your attention to aesthetics and detail - thanks for a great post. On different note, your post made me think how fun it would be as a layperson to be at a convention and listen to the debates you guys must have about stuff like the myriad personal styles of joinery and applying teflon tape. Love it.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you Zach, very much appreciated! Bob

[@robertt4239]

Thanks! I think I now know why my 1.25 to 1. inch reducer is leaking/dripping on my pressure tank diy hook up. I over-torqued it and used only metal pipe dope. I will get a new reducer and use teflon with teflon sealant, and not over-torque.

[@gstrader73]

Cool video. I used to use Real Tuff a lot many years ago and really liked it...I like it's silkyness and smooth texture. I got a can of Blue Monster today and it seems to be a lot like the Real Tuff. I think I'm really going to like it. Enjoying your vids. 27 year plumber here. I use tape and pipe dope on most things as well.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Tape and dope, you cannot go wrong.IMHO! Thanks for checking out the video. Bob

[@lancerudy9934]

Very nice video ,so many thing need to know. Thanks

[@jerrydelany926]

Very good video. One comment though. I am a retired instrument technician from a nuclear power plant. We stopped using teflon tape in the plant due to technicians installing teflon tape to the very end of the threads (the narrow end). For a while we could use pipe dope only. Because the threads are tapered, the first and / or second thread do very little in the sealing process. What we saw occurring was pieces of the teflon from the narrow end would become loose and go into the system (water, steam, whatever system it was on) and clog something down the line. We call it foreign material in a nuke. Not good for the plant. I noticed in your video you like to go to the very end and even some of the tape was over the end of the pipe somewhat. That was something we had to be very careful not to do and I follow the same practice when I do any plumbing work. Another note. I was watching your video because I am installing a water system in my house. It uses plastic fittings (male and female) and I am using brass fittings to join the house to the new water system. I encountered some leaking problems and was wondering if you have any thoughts on sealing those kind of unions. Thanks, Jerry

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

On brass to plastic connections as a rule on waste lines (low or no pressure), I'll use a good quality Teflon and the Mega Lock joint compound together. On pressurized water line's I'llsubstitute the Blue Block instead Mega Lock. In extreme conditions, I use the spool lampwick and Blue Block.

[@johnwagner8465]

Great video...easy to understand..no loud music...thanks

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad it helped!

[@johnmccready6752]

Over-tightening can produce water or gas title seal initially. Brass expands and contracts with temperature. This often creates hairline fractures that can be a bear to trouble shoot. The video is good advice.

[@daniellepetrone8532]

Great video, gives a lot of important information for novices like me . Don’t edit down the length.

[@MCMXI1]

Great vid. All the questions answered...covered everything. Thanks.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@russell7489]

FANTASTIC best of em I found

[@MarzNet256]

Hey Bob. Great video. I know you don't need tape or dope on compression fittings (brass ferrules or rubber o-rings), but I like to put some tape on the threads because it seems to help control corrosion making it easier to take apart later if needed.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I'll use Teflon on pipe threads in combination with pipe joint compound. I tend not to use it on compression or flare fittings but will lubricate the threads with pipe joint compound to make up the nuts easily.

[@MarzNet256]

BobsPlumbingVideos OK. Thanks.

[@kurtturner5120]

First time viewer. Bob, you are one of the best! It's nice to see a pro do the teaching. I'll be using your tricks going forward :) Happy New Year bud!!!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank You Sir! Happy New Year to you and your family! Bob.

[@cd-stephen]

Excellent - Great Teaching Skills

[@nogovannut9386]

Thanks for this video!

[@patcupolo9274]

Used Teflon tape first, then rectaseal, liked the smell of the pipe dope, but very rare if never leaked in my years of plumbing heating . The problem with Teflon and dope with Teflon, oil pump mfgs. Advise against Teflon, I personally saw a oil pump leak oil from a hanging furnace that the installer used plain Teflon tape. On water the combos can’t be beat. Very good video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Pat Cupolo Thanks Pat, appreciate it!

[@amg863]

Thanks bro. I liked and subscribed. Your video was very informative I am currently doing a lot of plumbing around the house and I am trying to soak up all the knowledge I can

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks for the sub! Glad I could help.

[@vinceleto]

I like real tuff over Megalock but like you said it is difficult to clean for sure, almost like a white tar if that makes any sense. I’m probably using way to much. I think they lubricate more than they seal imo making it easier to tighten the fittings and also makes loosening in the future much much easier.

[@charlesharris8805]

Tape and dope 👌 cool and informative video.

[@BULB271602]

I agree with megalock being much easier to clean up. That is why i mostly use it.

[@jamesbrady303]

Nice video!! So, what size under ground plastic gas line should I use to service a 25000btu unit about 60' run. In the house I've got 26' of 1 1/4 to first appliance, and about 35' servicing furnace, water, stove and washing machine. The new drop will be 7' of 3/4" to under ground connection. Thank you in advance.

[@kiraziur6167]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

My pleasure

[@nayheem]

Really great video and good explanations

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank You Mohammed ! much appreciated, regards. Bob.

[@timothyhansen3487]

Thanks! Good info, other than the part where you to threaded the nipple through the back side of the die when explaining taper around 2:00. But why did it turn in so far by hand on the wrong side of the taper?? Idk

[@TheFirstManticore]

Thanks, I believe you solved my problem.

[@thegirlinthebox1929]

Great vid, well done!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

The Girl In The Box Thank you for checking out the video! Regards, Bob.

[@peterdoyle4135]

Excellent video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you very much!

[@martinschulz9381]

Yes, threads are imperfect, if you screw something (especially larger things) there is a bit of loose wiggle. Fine thread, naturally less. Good video, more to it than I thought.

[@YCM30cnc]

Thanks for the content; I genuinely appreciate it. Agree w/ prior comment about speed of delivery / length / time to get to the point, but not a big issue; some folks like longer stuff and some folks like high speed (Jimmy Diresta style 😂😂)

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

thanks Jimmy!

[@racebiketuner]

Thanks for sharing the benefit of your experience.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

My pleasure!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Yes Ricardo, and I speak from experience! Regards, Bob.

[@boby115]

Bob great video and thank you. I was a pipefitter for the gas company here in St Louis 35 years. As you can imagine I've been through a variety of different pipe compounds (pipe dope) in my day . I ended up finding a correlation between the quality of pipe dope and my wife doing laundry. If my wife could get the pipe dope stains out of my work pants ,I found it was not a very good pipe dope but on the other hand if she could not get the stain out, I found those Brands & types to be the best. I found it surprising that the gas industry in New York does not allow yellow Teflon tape in certain applications. I find it absolutely necessary to use yellow Teflon tape and pipe dope once you get into the pipe sizes of 1 1/2" & larger with deep threads, such as Chicago service head adapters. PS Robert ,love your 1st name

[@StoneysWorkshop]

I use both at the same time primarily by the way (i work on sussman boilers in the 45-70 psi range)

[@gillt1975]

Thanks for the advice! I only put Teflon tape on a new kitchen sink shut off valve and it wouldn't stop leaking. I'm going to get some sealant tonight!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Good Luck!

[@troyandjen9599]

BobsPlumbingVideos it worked like a charm

[@mystuff1405]

Did you use 4-5 wraps? But i know the old pastes and the new pastes work better. Just messy. I’ve seen pros use both wrap and paste together.

[@hansg6336]

With threaded brass fittings, leave ~2.5 threads showing on the male connection as a general guide to avoid over-tightening the softer brass. Brass threads can warp, crush or distort if over-tightened.

[@Tom-Travels]

If you don't make the brass scream, it's not tight enough.

[@ryanwalker-createsuccess6435]

Thanks for this valuable content!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

My pleasure! Bob

[@jimsmith5606]

Good information, enjoy your videos

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@artbogden4958]

Thank you so much lots of good ideas appreciate everything you did

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You are so welcome!

[@simoncyber]

Great videos, Thank you

[@jparsons1974]

My pipe is at a 90 degree angle in a hard to reach place under my dishwasher. Is it safe to just dope to prevent a leak? Or can you recommend a thicker pipe ?

[@jlopezglobal]

Great video I have a question I hope someone can answer. I am screwing a male pvc joint to a brass female fitting and the joint keeps leaking. I have used teflon tape by itself, teflong tape with pvc compatible pipe dope and I still have a leak. I have replaced the pvc male fitting thinking there might be an issue with it with no success. Any ideas. Would the bursh on blue block maybe help me fix this issue since it creates a gasket?

[@jayman1601]

The teflon tape/sealant combination works well. I didn't know about the lamp wick and Blue-Block. Thanks for the video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're welcome Jason, thanks for watching!

[@glytch5]

What about the red semi hard stuff that comes on air tool fittings from brands like husky? That stuff works so well and cleans up great. Can't find something similar!

[@markb.739]

This is the best video I have seen on this subject! Is is best just to use Blue Block on everything just to be safe? Keep up the great content, I'm subbed!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I use Blue Block on all gas work and problem waste and water leaks. It can get messy, I'm confident using Mega-Loc as my everyday go-to thread sealant. Thanks for checking out the video! Regards, Bob.

[@toddkyle3691]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks for checking out the video Todd!

[@gongringer]

When I changed over from galvanised pipes to copper tubing 35 years ago, I installed a permanent pressure gauge on the cold water line in basement laundry. Many older homes in Vancouver, B.C. Canada where I live do not have a pressure regulator valve. The typical pressure in my neighbourhood was about 80 psi, dropping somewhat in the summer. A few weeks ago it was going up as high as 120 psi, so I decided to install a Watt pressure regulator on the 3/4 copper entry. My first two attempts with teflon tape only on a tapered brass fitting dripped, and on my third try with even more tape it still leaked, and now a union on the line was dripping. I found your video, bought the Canadian MegaLoc, which has English and French instructions, followed your directions and both connections are completely dry. What I really noticed as I torqued with the MegaLoc and teflon combo, was how smooth and easily it tightened compared to teflon only. Pressure is now set at 60 psi. Sure glad I found your video. Angus.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I’m glad you found my video also Angus, love helping homeowners like yourself. Regards and thanks again...Bob

[@yt66228]

Bleu block my favorite!

[@jamesbarber3604]

Thank you for blue block

[@tonymoran9794]

Hey, what about on steam pipes? All the same ideas? Blue block sounds like it would work well! I’ll have to research that.

[@efman2k3]

Great video. Thanks for posting1

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're welcome. thanks for watching!

[@leonbarzegar4914]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for checking it out! Bob.

[@neilwilliams8608]

Do you have a video or, know of a video that shows how to connect a PVC schd 40 female or male adapter to an elbow on metal pipe? Awesome video, Bob. Thanks so much.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

When I screw schd 40 pvc on or into metal pipe I generally use teflon tape followed by Blue Block or Grip. Either or will work.

[@dushk0]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos and only to prevent abrassion on the plastic part and prevent sticking, so not as much as metal-to-metal, right? BTW, one can really see you know your stuff. On the other hand I like the looks of neatly wound teflon tape sticking out - it looks clean and done to me when checking later (but only on ugly plastic or metal hidden joints, not the fancy visible shiny pipes).

[@daringetae5136]

Blue block with teflon tape works in both new and old pipes because the new ones come with all kind of impurities also, you don't want to take any risk. Of course for the gas pipes only blue block on the male thread.

[@Kurt1968]

question about the Blue Block. Will the fittings unscrew or does it permanently bond the threads to where they are really hard to unscrew again?

[@MrBrianDuga]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're welcome!

[@markwright4037]

Thanks, great video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank You Mark! I try, thanks for checking out the video. Regards, Bob.

[@Mikeishere1st]

Very informative, thanks. Just to refine the overall issue, tapered threaded pipe connection is a throw-back technology that IMO remains with us only because it continues to provide excellent mechanical joint strength at low cost. But its inability to seal has been a design flaw since its inception as your video addresses fairly well. Augmenting the description I would add that the actual problem is primarily from the mismatch between the peaks/valleys of engagement. The major diameter of the female thread HAS TO BE be larger than the major diameter of the male thread and, congruently, the minor diameter of the female thread HAS TO BE larger than the minor diameter of the male thread. (I say "has to be" because if there was an interference of either condition the rest of the two thread surfaces would not even touch.) The two resulting gaps at the peak/valley clearances then create two helical paths for a leak even if the rest of the thread surfaces match up perfectly. It is those helical paths that have to be plugged up I would also add that male pipe threads on commercially produced pipes/nipples/parts are cut single point on a CNC screw machine that provides a much closer tolerance thread than anything you can hope to get with one of those multi insert manual pipe dies.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Impressive! thank's for that. Bob.

[@Herfinnur]

Perfect and with enough options for me to figure something out in a hurry even if it's a Sunday and all the stores are closed, and we are in the middle of nowhere. Thank you! we're in a hundred year, old run-down summer house with plumbing, which is great, but of course there turned out to be two leaks when we turned on the mains, and I've never seen iron water pipes before

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're welcome and thanks for checking out the video! Regards, Bob.

[@california1able]

I think I am over tightening, as it is a bear trying to take apart years later. What is best to use to make taking apart easier? I have always stuck to straight teflon, but if something makes taking apart easy, I would change. I am needing to reduce a 1" plastic, male, pipe threaded, fitting on a water softener, to a 3/4" male pipe thread. It came with a gator bite to 3/4" pvc or smooth copper pipe, but I have converted system to threaded at other ends all already for simplicity. It is plastic, si Was trying to stay plastic on plastic to protect water softener fittings. The in and out from wall has 3/4" male threads for using hoses. I would use the shark bite method, if I could find a short, 3/4", smooth to threaded copper pipe. My in and out from wall are opposite the in and out on the water softener, requiring me to cross the pipes also.

[@dannyf4995]

Thanks for the video. What is the maximum temperature you can use with those compounds? I need to install a brass fitting into a steam generator iron tank made from stainless steel.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I use the blue block on steam heating systems daily. 212 degrees plus, work like a charm.